Day 6 in Birmingham, Alabama

The ride from Chattanooga to Regions Park Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama was the shortest trek of Power Tour, which gave everyone the chance to get to venue a little earlier. The day was a scorcher but nowhere was it hotter than at the RideTech Street Challenge Autocross.

RideTech set up a demanding autocross and invited 200 cars to take it on. The drivers attacked the course all day and kept their tires happy as burnouts and squealing rubber was a part of almost every run. On the line were some impressive prizes with the fastest run snagging a $1000 RideTech gift certificate. Second place drove off with a $500 gift certificate and third got $250. Look for results here when they become available.

The RideTech mobile display rig was right there at the starting line showing off the latest in air suspension, coilover, electronic leveling, and electronic shock technology. Their techs were also on hand to answer any suspensions questions. If you missed them in Birmingham be sure to stop by in Mobile, Alabama as we steer south for the final day of Power Tour.

One event that has become a tradition on Power Tour is Comp Cams Engine Builder Duel. The competitive event pits two teams against each other to see who can assemble and start their engine the fastest. This year the event took place in Bowling Green, Chattanooga and Birmingham.

Each engine is prepped the same way by techs from Comp Cams. The crankshaft is already installed in the GM small block along with four pistons and rods. The heads are preassembled. All other parts are prelubed if needed and the oil pumps are primed. So the contestants have to install the remaining four pistons, oil pump, gasket and pan. The the cam gets installed followed by the timing set, timing cover, flywheel and starter. Turning the engine over they continue with the heads, lifters, pushrods and rockers. While assembling the top end a gallon of oil is being dumped in the valley. Once the lifter preload is set the valve covers, the intake, distributor and plug wires are installed. Once the headers are installed and the electrical and fuel connections are made, they start their engine. It must run for one minute. Only then does the clock stop and a winner is declared.

Trent Goodwin from Comp Cams hosted and announced the competition. Each team member of the winning team gets a $250 gift certificate from Comp Cams. There are no losers as second place gets a $100 gift certificate each. So, how did it shake out in Birmingham? Let's find out!